Key Stage 4 Computer Science

Exam Board and Specification

GCSE Computer Science is taught using the AQA GCSE Computer Science Specification.

This specification recognises the well-established methodologies of computing, alongside the technological advances which make it such a dynamic subject.

Assessed By

Paper 1

What’s assessed?

Computational thinking
code tracing
problem-solving
programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms and the designing
writing
testing and refining of code.

This will be drawn from the topics: Fundamentals of algorithms and Programming

Paper 2

What’s assessed?

Fundamentals of data representationComputer systems
Fundamentals of computer networks
Cyber security
Relational databases and structured query language (SQL)
Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy

Topics/Skills Taught

Years 10 & 11

Fundamentals of algorithms
Programming
Fundamentals of data representation
Computer systems
Fundamentals of computer networks
Cyber security
Relational databases and structured query language (SQL)
Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Lunchtime Computing Club
Lunchtime drop in sessions